A.R. and Mary Ann Charnes Named Co-Chairs of The Give Voice to Your Values Campaign

A.R. and Mary Ann Charnes recently were named co-chairs of The University of Findlay’s Give Voice to Your Values fundraising campaign, which is based on the values of integrity, service, responsibility, respect, dedication, excellence and generosity.

The goal of the campaign is to raise $40 million in private support; through March 31st, nearly $29 million in cash and pledges has been raised.

“We realize the tremendous value of the gift of time expended in behalf of the University, and appreciate that A.R. and Mary Ann have been generous with both their time and treasure,” said Katherine Fell, Ph.D., University president.

“A.R. has been engaged in trustee discussions that further the best interests of the University, and his service and contributions have been recognized through his election as vice chair of the board,” said Board chair C. Richard Beckett, D.V.M. “I, and the rest of the board, am confident that with A.R. and Mary Ann at the helm, this campaign will record another resounding success for The University of Findlay.”

“We are honored and fortunate to have A.R. ’66 and Mary Ann Charnes co-chair The Give Voice to your Values Comprehensive Campaign,” said John Mosser, Ph.D., vice president for university advancement. “Their commitment to the mission of the University and their enthusiasm as ambassadors, leaders and donors is truly inspirational. I know the alumni, parents and friends of The University of Findlay will continue to be inspired by their enthusiastic leadership.”

A.R. and Mary Ann Charnes have a history of leading by example. In 2008, the couple volunteered to become national co-chairs for the 125th Endowed Funds Drive, which was launched with a goal of establishing 125 new endowed funds in honor of the institution’s 125th anniversary. Since the drive exceeded its initial goal in December 2011, the number of endowed funds has increased to 131, with $10.1 million pledged and donated toward student scholarships, faculty development and program support.

In addition, they began at the start of the campaign with the creation of the A.R. and Mary Ann Charnes Student Life Endowment, a substantial gift that provides room and board assistance to freshman students, who might otherwise be unable to enjoy the experience of living on campus.

More recently, in late 2010, they established the A.R. and Mary Ann Charnes Basketball Endowment Fund to support the men’s basketball program at the University. Mr. Charnes was a member of the Oilers’ men’s basketball team and in 1985, was inducted into the UF Athletic Hall of Fame.

A.R. and Mary Ann Charnes met in the early 1960s in Findlay while A.R. was a student at Findlay College. They went on to marry and have a family including two daughters, Amy and Renee. Renee graduated from Findlay in 1985.

Mr. Charnes began his career with Marathon Oil Co., where he worked for 22 years, and continued a successful career in the oil business. Mrs. Charnes worked at the college during the 1980s.

Mr. Charnes retired in 2008, the couple then relocated to McCormick, S.C., but remained involved with the University. Mr. Charnes joined the Board of Trustees and was elected vice chair in 2011; he was named a Distinguished Alumnus for his career accomplishments and contributions to his alma mater.

For more information about the Give Voice to Your Values campaign, please contact Dr. John W. Mosser at 419-434-5722 or mosser@findlay.edu.